The Midland
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Local
Midland road closures for mill and inlay work until Aug. 27
MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) - Starting now through Aug. 27, Princeton to Community Lane between Garfield and D Street and N, L, I, H, G and D streets between Golf Course and Harvard will be closed. According to the City of Midland, this area will be closed to through traffic at various...
News
Mother reunites with daughter she was forced to give up for adoption 50 years ago
PINEVILLE, La. ( KALB /Gray News) - A Louisiana mother and the daughter she was forced to give up for adoption nearly 50 years ago met face-to-face for the first time, thanks to a genealogy website. Lillian Higgins was 20 years old in 1976 when she gave birth to a baby girl who s...
schools
Sam Houston Elementary ‘Meet the Teacher’ postponed
MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) - Families at Sam Houston Elementary will have to wait a little longer to meet their child’s teacher after the school’s “Meet the Teacher” event was postponed due to construction issues and air conditioning problems. Midland ISD District 4 Trustee Matt Friez...
News
Groom shares dance with woman who got his mother’s lungs in lifesaving transplant
STEPHENVILLE, Texas ( KWTX /Gray News) - At a Texas wedding, the traditional mother-son dance looked different — and it stopped guests in their tracks. Groom Matthew Firth stepped onto the dance floor in May not with his own mother but with Carrie Giddens, the woman who received ...
News
Man survives month at sea after mast breaks during solo sail across Pacific
HONOLULU ( KHNL /Gray News) - A California man trying to complete a solo sail across the Pacific Ocean ended up stranded on his sailboat for over a month, drifting toward Hawaii. Kai Sato, 39, set sail June 7 from the Catalina Islands in an attempt to complete his first solo sail...
safety
15-year-old who saved girl from sexual harassment killed in shooting months later
LOUISVILLE, Ky. ( WAVE /Gray News) - A 15-year-old from Kentucky is being remembered as a hero after he was killed in a shooting months after saving a 12-year-old girl from sexual harassment. Louisville Metro Police responded around 8:20 p.m. Saturday to reports of a shooting in ...
Local
RockHounds outfielder Ryan Lasko shares promising recovery update
MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) - Midland RockHounds outfielder Ryan Lasko is still on his way to recovery after a hard outfield collision that required surgery to repair a C6-C7 vertebra fracture. The injury occurred in game one of the series against the Frisco RoughRiders on June 30...
safety
‘I failed you’: Sheriff vows accountability after murder suspect escapes custody
ATKINSON COUNTY, Ga. ( WALB /Gray News) — A search continued Monday for a murder suspect who escaped custody in Georgia. Atkinson County Sheriff David Moore publicly apologized as the search for Pablo Zuriel Miranda, 32, entered its second day without an arrest. Miranda reportedl...
safety
Woman accused of repeatedly exposing herself to passing drivers after she was pulled over by police
LEBANON, Tenn. ( WSMV /Gray News) - A woman was accused of exposing herself during a traffic stop in Tennessee, police said. The Lebanon Police Department said officers conducted a traffic stop Tuesday night after seeing a passenger not wearing a seat belt. Police said K-9 Donner...
News
Man builds 3D-printed mobility devices for children in need
BETTENDORF, Iowa ( KWQC /Gray News) - An Iowa man is using a 3D printer to create and donate custom mobility trainers to kids in need, giving children with mobility challenges the chance to experience the world around them. One of those children is 16-month-old Saylor. Born with ...
government
Alpine imposes stage 4 water restrictions after well failure
ALPINE, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) - The City of Alpine has implemented Stage 4 critical water conditions due to a critical failure in the municipal well system. Both the city's water supply and distribution capability have been affected by this. The City of Alpine says that it is working...
government
Alpine declares Stage 4 water shortage after well system failure
ALPINE, Texas (KOSA) - The City of Alpine has declared Stage 4 – Critical Water Shortage Conditions after a critical failure in the municipal well system disrupted the city’s water supply and distribution capabilities. City officials said crews are working with utility personnel,...
safety
Former Navy SEAL sentenced in plot to throw fireworks at police during ‘No Kings’ protest
(Gray News) - A former U.S. Navy SEAL who was convicted of transporting fireworks across state lines with plans to shoot explosives at police during last year’s “No Kings Day” protest in San Diego was sentenced to 16 months in prison. Prosecutors said that on June 12, 2025, Grego...
safety
Greenwood VFD responds to fire call at high school
GREENWOOD, Texas (KOSA) - The Greenwood Volunteer Fire Department responded to a report of a fire at the high school after a citizen called to report the incident. According tot he fire department, when crews arrived, firefighters found a tar pot trailer on fire. Crews quickly kn...
business
"We have to adapt," local game stores see shift in business as gaming companies move digital
Local video game stores in the Permian Basin are seeing a shift in clientele and product demand as more and more games are sold digitally. This comes after Sony, the Japanese tech company behind the PlayStation line of game consoles, announced via their blog the company would no ...
Local
More women are pregnant after 40: Local mom shares experience, doctor explains risks
ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- The age of childbirth is changing as more women are starting families later in life, including women in the Permian Basin. According to 2023 data from the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, births to women over 40 now account for 4.1% of all U...
schools
AT&T, Boys and Girls Club give away 100 laptops to Permian Basin students
MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) - AT&T and the Boys and Girls Club of the Permian Basin are distributing 100 laptops to students ahead of the upcoming school year as part of an effort to address the digital divide, which affects millions of people across the United States who lack internet...
News
McConnell to remain in rehab, not cleared to return to work
WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) will remain at a rehabilitation facility as he recovers from a June fall at his Washington home, according to a new health update. McConnell said Monday that doctors have ordered him to continue an intensive physical therapy prog...
safety
Teacher arrested for repeatedly clapping in favor of data center opponents during city commission meeting
EMPORIA, Kan. ( KWCH /Gray News) — A 37-year-old teacher was released from a Kansas jail after posting bail following his arrest at a city meeting where zoning changes for a proposed data center project were passed. Lux Claridge, an Emporia High School physics teacher, was arrest...
News
Cellphone users report outages across major carriers
(Gray News) - Customers for several major cell service carriers reported outages Monday evening. Downdetector received thousands of reports of outages from T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, Boost Mobile, US Cellular and Mint Mobile users. Some users also reported services from internet se...
safety
80-year-old Lamesa woman arrested after search uncovers drugs, 90 roosters in cockfighting investigation
An 80-year-old Lamesa woman was arrested after a police investigation into alleged cockfighting activities led to the seizure of drugs, cash, and approximately 90 roosters....
business
Officials release new audio from day of Nolan Wells’ disappearance
JACKSON COUNTY, Miss. ( WLOX /Gray News) - A newly released recording captures a frantic call from the boat involved in the Nolan Wells death investigation in Mississippi. The recording is of a call made from a teen on a boat on Horn Island on July 4 about 4 p.m. to a private tow...
business
Odessa chocolate business feels impact of rising cacao costs
ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - On Friday, President Trump announced new tariffs on 60 countries. The tariff policy creates uncertainty for businesses large and small, but that is just one part of the struggle for small businesses. An Odessa chocolate shop owner says he got a refund after...
safety
Suspect arrested in connection with deadly assault of man outside Lubbock motel room
LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) - A murder suspect has been arrested in connection with the death of 60-year-old Arnold Tomlunson. 37-year-old David Thomas is accused of attacking Tomlunson during an argument at a motel near Mac Davis and Avenue Q early Sunday morning. Just before 2 a.m., ...
parks
Rounding up at Kent Kwik raises over $100,000 for Permian Basin Reability Center
ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - A springtime “round up” campaign at local Kent Kwik stores brought in $116,630 for the Permian Basin Reability Center (PBRC), after customers chose to round their purchases up to the nearest dollar between March 23 and May 30. The donations were collected a...
safety
Big Spring Police Department faces phone system outage
The Big Spring Police Department rerouted 911 calls to the Kermit Police Department Dispatch Center due to a phone system outage.
schools
Judge dismisses lawsuit against Amarillo ISD in case of teen’s death
AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) - An Amarillo judge has dismissed the lawsuit against Amarillo ISD involving the death of former Amarillo High School student Jaxson Mendoza. According to court documents filed July 21, 2026, the judge dismissed the case that accused the district of violati...
Local
Basin Lighthouse to host Bridge the Basin summit in Midland
Basin Lighthouse will host the 'Bridge The Basin: A Regional Summit' on August 28th in Midland to connect various community sectors and address local service gaps....
safety
Child critically injured by falling tree at summer camp
NASHVILLE, Tenn. ( WSMV /Gray News) – A child was seriously injured after being hit by a falling tree at a Nashville summer camp. Officers with the Metro Nashville Police Department said they were called out to YMCA Camp Widjiwagan on Monday morning. They confirmed the child was ...
News
Odessa Museum to host Latinos on Wheels exhibition
The Ellen Noel Art Museum in Odessa will host the "Latinos on Wheels: Lowrides of Tejas" exhibition by photographer Al Rendon beginning August 6th.
News
‘Help us find her’: Savannah Guthrie issues new plea in mother Nancy’s disappearance
TUCSON, Ariz. ( 13 News /Gray News) - Savannah Guthrie shared a new video Monday morning as her mother Nancy’s disappearance approaches the six-month mark. Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of the “Today” show, said Monday in a video she had a “very specific message” that appears to ap...
business
How some retailers inflate original prices to create fake discounts
( InvestigateTV ) — It’s a common complaint heard all the time: prices for just about everything are expensive. But what you’re paying may not be fair, it could even be illegal. Many may not know that some retailers may be taking advantage of shoppers through deceptive pricing ta...
safety
Midland man arrested on DWI, stalking, retaliation charges after alleged disturbance
A 37-year-old Midland man faces multiple charges, including driving while intoxicated and stalking, after police arrested him following a confrontation involving a running vehicle and threats against law enforcement....
safety
Midland police arrest suspect after 2 injured in shooting
MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) - A 20-year-old man was arrested after two people were wounded in a shooting early Saturday morning in Midland. According to Midland police, at about 1:16 a.m. Saturday, Midland police responded to the area of Trailhead Drive following a reported shooting. W...
safety
Odessa man arrested after two wounded in Midland shooting, affidavit says
An Odessa teenager was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly shooting two people during an argument outside a Midland residence....
News
Evenflo recalls some car seats. See if your child’s seat is impacted
(Gray News) – Evenflo has issued a recall of some car seats after a safety test revealed the seats failed to comply with federal requirements. About 60,000 REO by Revolve360 child seats in various colors are being recalled because the headrest could shift unexpectedly and increas...
safety
Permian Basin HERO program enters second year of service
The Highway Emergency Response Operator program provided hundreds of roadside assists on Interstate 20 and State Highway 191 during its first year of service in the Permian Basin....
News
Sen. Mitch McConnell out of hospital, but still not ‘medically cleared’ to return to Senate
KENTUCKY ( WKYT /Gray News) - Sen. Mitch McConnell shared a health update as questions about his condition continued after he was hospitalized for weeks. According to the Office of the Attending Physician (OAP), since McConnell’s discharge from hospital care, he has maintained a ...
safety
Discover the Basin series highlights communities across the Permian Basin starting July 27
PERMIAN BASIN, Texas (KOSA) - A new series streaming on First Alert 7 connected devices will spotlight communities across the Permian Basin each night from July 27 through July 31. “Discover the Basin” airs nightly at 8 p.m., with Tamlyn Price visiting a different community each ...
safety
HERO program enters second year in Permian Basin
MIDLAND COUNTY, Texas (KOSA) - The Highway Emergency Response Operator program has entered its second year of service in the Permian Basin after completing its first year along Interstate 20 and State Highway 191. First-year assist totals During its first year, HERO operators pro...
safety
More than 2 pounds of suspected cocaine seized during Dawson County traffic stop
Two men were arrested in Dawson County, Texas, after deputies discovered more than 1 kilogram of suspected cocaine during a traffic stop on Saturday.
schools
Families plan to spend $130 less on back-to-school shopping this year, report finds
( InvestigateTV ) — Back-to-school shoppers expect to spend about $611 this year — roughly $130 less than last year — according to a new NerdWallet report . The pullback is being driven by the rising cost of living. A quarter of parents say higher prices for gas and groceries are...
safety
Father charged with capital murder after 2-year-old found dead in locked vehicle in Midland
MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) - A father has been charged with capital murder after Midland police said his 2-year-old daughter was found unresponsive inside a locked vehicle and later died. According to the Midland Police Department, officers were called Sunday at 7:56 p.m. to a report ...
Local
Midland man charged with capital murder of toddler
A 25-year-old Midland man has been charged with capital murder following the death of his 2-year-old daughter, who was found unresponsive inside a vehicle....
parks
Carly Simon reveals she has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, treated for skin cancer
(Gray News) – Iconic singer, songwriter Carly Simon is opening up about her private health struggles. In a statement obtained by People , the 83-year-old revealed she has been living with Parkinson’s disease. People reported Simon announced in the same statement “she also underwe...
safety
Midland County Fire teams up to help Batesville flood victims
BATESVILLE, Texas (KOSA) - Midland County Fire Marshal Justin Bunch is among those assisting Batesville residents as recovery efforts continue following recent flooding. A Disaster Assistance Center has been established inside the Batesville school gym, providing flood-affected r...
safety
One hospitalized, two displaced after car hits house in Midland
MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- One person was hospitalized, and two residents were displaced over the weekend after a vehicle crashed into a Midland home. According to officials, on Saturday, July 25, emergency responders from the Midland Police Department and Midland Fire Departmen...
safety
FIRST ALERT 7 Forecast for Monday, July 27th, 2026
ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - FIRST ALERT 7 Forecast for Sunday, July 26th, 2026: The heat wave continues across West Texas and southeast New Mexico this week and into next weekend, with mostly rain-free conditions areawide. A Heat Advisory is in effect this afternoon through Tuesday ev...
News
‘Dancing in the rain’: Foundation helps families find joy amid serious childhood medical challenges
VIRGINIA ( Aging Untold ) — A foundation born from grief is now a lifeline for families going through serious childhood medical challenges. Sara Knight founded the Sweet Julia Grace Foundation in memory of her daughter, Julia. The organization provides care packages, wishes and e...
safety
Man survives cardiac arrest at bowling alley after bystanders revive him
MASON CITY, Iowa ( Aging Untold ) — Dennis Kelley went to the bowling alley for league night in December 2024. Without warning, he collapsed. A 911 caller reported the emergency from inside the bowling alley as friends scrambled to help. A retired paramedic who was nearby began a...
parks
Balmorhea State Park office closed Monday; park remains open
BALMORHEA, Texas (KOSA) - Balmorhea State Park’s headquarters will be closed Monday, July 27. The park remains open for use. Visitors checking in for day use or camping should use the self-pay station with a reservation or register with cash, check, or an annual pass. A list of a...
safety
Driver doing donuts crashes into fire hydrant, causing $10,000 in damage
TEMPE, Ariz. ( AZFamily /Gray News) - A 21-year-old Arizona man is facing charges after police say he hit a fire hydrant while doing donuts in his truck, causing more than $10,000 in damage. Gabriel Haynes, 21, was arrested Sunday and faces charges of criminal damage for “reckles...
Local
Finding Family: 435 West Texas children in foster care need local families
ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - There are 435 children in the West Texas foster system, and the majority of them are living far from home. According to data highlighted in this week’s Finding Family report, 89% of West Texas foster children are placed outside the county where they grew up...
safety
Semi truck catches fire along 1788 near Permian Basin Behavioral Health Center
MIDLAND COUNTY, Texas (KOSA) - Midland Fire responded to a semi truck fire Saturday afternoon in the 1000 block of South Farm-to-Market Road 1788, the department said. First responders arrived and temporarily blocked the road while crews worked to extinguish the fire. Firefighter...
safety
Driver hospitalized after crashing into building in Midland
MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) - Midland Police and Midland Fire responded to a vehicle that collided with a building near the intersection of Pecan Avenue and I Street at about 7:14 p.m. Saturday, July 25, according to the Midland Fire Department. Authorities said the driver was transpor...
library
Dog missing for 5 years reunites with family after being found 600 miles away
LINCOLN, Neb. ( KOLN /Gray News) - A Nebraska family is celebrating a miracle: with the help of a Facebook page, their missing dog found his way home after more than five years. Inmaculada Jackman says she never stopped searching for her dog, Chong, after he escaped her home in L...
safety
Man who called 911 to report girlfriend’s death arrested for her murder
MESA, Ariz. ( AZFamily /Gray News) - An Arizona man who called 911 claiming he found his girlfriend unresponsive has been arrested and charged with her murder, police say. Mesa Police say 37-year-old Kyle Collins called 911 Tuesday and told dispatchers he had returned home to fin...